Uganda commits to protecting wetlands

The Government of Uganda has officially gazetted all wetlands in the country, recognizing their critical role in protecting communities from climate change and providing essential benefits for millions. This landmark decision is aligned to the Ramsar Convention and comes after years of collaboration between the Government, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and partners on restoration of wetlands and associated catchments. 

On behalf of the President of the Republic of Uganda, Hon. Kasule Lumumba, the Minister for General Duties and focal point minister for the Sustainable Development Goals called upon all leaders at all levels in the country especially the local councils to wake up and protect all wetlands.

Through the Green Climate Fund-funded project "Building Resilient Communities, Wetland Ecosystems and Associated Catchments in Uganda", UNDP has played a pivotal role in revitalizing these fragile ecosystems. The project has empowered communities surrounding the wetlands especially women, girls and youth with alternative livelihood and economic opportunities, while simultaneously enhancing the technical capacity of relevant institutions under the Ministry of Water and Environment, the Uganda National Meteorological Authority, the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries and selected District Local Governments.